SAVAGE MESSIAH: Demons (HEAVY METAL): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Savage Messiah could be the name of a band that survived the 1980s, yet it is the one that young wolves have chosen to gather. With a career that began twelve years ago, these English are no longer virgins, however, the flagship of a thrash with heavy metal gleams. Except that there are fewer thrash in question, as "Hands Of Fate" illustrated two years ago.

If "Virtue Signal" or the very fast "The Bitter Truth" seem timidly to reconnect with a slightly meaner past, "Demons" actually continues this shift towards a more luminous music although still vigorous that neither David Castillo (who produced it) nor Jens Bogren (who mixed it) can stop, even though they are used to the more powerful. The fans in the front row will probably look bad, hardly recognizing the progenitor of "Insurrection Rising" and "Plague Of Conscience" in these refined songs such as "What Dreams May Come" or "Parachute" which only slightly avoids mawkishness, fortunately saved by a heavy rhythmic.

Yet, it is finally permissible to prefer Savage Messiah in this less irritated and more commercial register, which highlights his sharp science of the biting melody, making devastating guitar parts from the NWOBHM ('Down And Out') style. 'The Shadows Fall' is even a rather beautiful and successful (power) ballad, which highlights the organ of the master of the place, Dave Silver. The whole thing is not lacking in momentum or power, propelled by Charly Carreton's heavy strike ('Rise Then Fall') whose recent hiring has been beneficial to the band... Like the one of the soloist David Hruska.

How long will they stay with the singer and last historical member who has always struggled to maintain the stability of his line-up? The future will tell us. For the moment, this new incarnation of Savage Messiah is at the origin of an album as square as it is melodic, as vaguely dark atmospheres ('Steal The Faith In Me') and rare dives into the abyss ('Heretic In The Modern World') are not enough to harden its features. Despite some furious escapes, "Demons" offers a brilliant ensemble, heavier and less thrash, of which only a few traces remain.
- Official website

SAVAGE MESSIAH

DEMONS

CENTURY MEDIA RECORDS

HEAVY METAL